Connection between Diabetes, Urinary Tract Infections, and the Hormone Might Aid in Understanding Complications
Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, increases the risk of various complications, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). According to a study led by Annelie Brauner, professor in the Division of Clinical Microbiology at the Karolinska Institute, a potential solution to this problem could be estrogen treatment.
The connection between diabetes and UTIs is rooted in the effect of glucose on psoriasin, a naturally occurring antibiotic that helps prevent UTIs. High concentrations of glucose block the action of psoriasin, leading to an increased susceptibility to UTIs in diabetic individuals.
The Swedish research team has found a way to counteract this blocking effect. They discovered that estrogen supplementation can boost levels of psoriasin, thereby restoring the protective properties of the bladder lining and reducing the risk of UTIs.
This treatment could be a simple and straightforward way to prevent the frequent UTIs experienced by people with diabetes. Estrogen, when applied to bladder cells, allows those cells to regain their protective abilities, according to previous research.
Vaginal estrogen therapy, in particular, restores the dominance of beneficial lactobacilli in the vaginal and urinary tract flora, which is crucial in preventing UTIs. This therapy improves mucosal immunity, reducing the risk of recurrent UTIs in diabetic patients.
The benefits of estrogen treatment extend beyond general blood sugar control. By promoting the growth of lactobacilli that maintain a low pH environment hostile to pathogens and enhancing the local immune response to clear bacteria, estrogen provides targeted protection against UTIs.
Clinical insights and retrospective studies highlight that vaginal estrogen is considered a standard care approach for preventing recurrent UTIs in hypoestrogenic patients, including those with diabetes. This approach can help reduce infection incidence and improve urinary tract health.
Preventing UTIs is just one aspect of managing diabetes. If you have diabetes, it's crucial to visit your doctor regularly, eat a healthy, whole-food diet, and quit smoking (or don't start). Additionally, studies show that eating vegetables that contain phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), such as broccoli, radishes, turnips, and watercress, can help prevent and even reverse kidney problems that arise from diabetes.
By following these guidelines, you can help keep yourself from developing diabetes and its associated complications, including UTIs.
- Science continues to unearth links between medical conditions like diabetes and other health issues, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- A study led by Annelie Brauner, a professor in the Division of Clinical Microbiology at the Karolinska Institute, suggests a potential solution to the increased risk of UTIs in diabetic individuals.
- The study reveals that high concentrations of glucose, a hallmark of diabetes, block the action of psoriasin – a naturally occurring antibiotic – leading to an increased susceptibility to UTIs.
- The Swedish research team found that estrogen supplementation could counteract this blocking effect, restoring the protective properties of the bladder lining and reducing the risk of UTIs.
- In the workplace, wellness programs that focus on health and wellness, including preventive measures for UTIs, could help reduce absenteeism and boost productivity.
- Vaginal estrogen therapy, in particular, restores the dominance of beneficial lactobacilli, which is a crucial factor in preventing UTIs and improving mucosal immunity.
- Therapies and treatments for diabetes should not solely focus on managing blood sugar levels, but also emphasize preventive measures for complications like UTIs.
- Chronic diseases, such as cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, and eye-health problems, require ongoing management, with the prevention of UTIs being an important consideration.
- Hearing health, skin care, and even neurological disorders are areas where research and new treatments are continually evolving.
- Mental health is another critical aspect of overall health, with conditions like depression and anxiety often coexisting with chronic diseases, including diabetes.
- Men's health and women's health issues, such as sexual health and menopause, require specific attention and tailored treatment approaches.
- Aging brings its own set of unique health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, weight management issues, and potential decreases in joint flexibility.
- Parenting also presents its own set of health concerns, from pregnancy and childbirth to managing the health needs of a growing child.
- Alternative treatments like CBD, derived from the cannabis plant, show promise in managing certain medical conditions, such as neurological disorders and skin conditions, though more research is needed.
